Valley businesses tapped nearly $103M in SBA-backed loans last year. See how lenders ranked

More than 180 companies across the Lower Rio Grande Valley Small Business Administration district borrowed nearly $103 million from financial institutions with guarantees from the SBA last year, federal data shows. 

Local business owners and top lenders were recognized in Weslaco on Wednesday by the U.S. Small Business Administration for their participation in the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. 

The SBA’s 7(a) loan program offers financial institutions guarantees of up to $5 million for small business loans used for commercial real estate, working capital, and equipment.

McAllen-based Lone Star National Bank was the district’s most prolific 7(a) program lender in fiscal year 2025 when ranked by the number of loans.

Lone Star National Bank underwrote 29 SBA-backed loans in fiscal year 2025, with an average loan size of $225,338, for a total of $6.5 million.

When ranked by total loan amount, PlainsCapital Bank was No. 1, records show. 

PlainsCapital Bank underwrote 22 SBA-backed loans in fiscal year 2025, with an average loan size of $488,845, for a total of $10.7 million. 

Explore the full lender rankings below, including loan counts, total dollars financed, and average loan sizes across the region.

The SBA 504 loan program is underwritten by Certified Development Companies to help small businesses acquire major fixed assets, such as machinery or commercial real estate.

San Antonio-based LiftFund underwrote four SBA-backed 504 loans in fiscal year 2025, the largest number of loans in the district. The loans totaled $4.8 million with an average loan size of $1.2 million.

While 7(a) lending surged, activity under the SBA’s 504 program moved in the opposite direction.

Dozens of different types of companies received SBA-backed loans, including restaurants, pilates studios, construction companies, trucking companies, certified public accountants, and even a padel sports club, data show. 

Zamora’s Restaurant, a longtime family-owned business in McAllen, was approved for a $230,300 loan in June 2025 through the SBA 7(a) program. About $172,725 of the loan was backed by the SBA. The loan, underwritten by Lone Star National Bank, carried an 8.5% interest rate.

RGV Padel Club, based in Mission, borrowed nearly $1.6 million in October 2024 through the same loan program. The loan carried a 9% interest rate and was underwritten by Lone Star National Bank. 

McAllen-based Calidad Construction was approved for $200,000 through the SBA Express Program. Greater State Bank underwrote the loan at a 9% interest rate in August 2025. 

Rodriguez Plumbing Solution LLC, of Mercedes, was approved by PlainsCapital Bank for a $76,000 loan in January 2025 through the SBA Express Program with a 10.75% interest rate. 

Los Fresnos Nursery LLC was approved for a $2.6 million loan through PlainsCapital Bank in October 2024 with an 8.5% interest rate.